The ultimate half-time snack

Oranges: there’s no better snack for that pre-game or half-time burst of energy according to long-standing football wisdom.

But like a lot of the game’s slightly outdated beliefs (such as a wet sponge curing a broken leg), the idea of sucking on an orange during the interval could soon be consigned to the history books – all thanks to an unlikely source.

More after the break

“Fig rolls are a much better choice as they are packed with both simple and complex carbohydrates, providing a footballer with a consistent amount of energy distribution in the second half,” says sports dietitian Bob Seebohar.

“They also have a good amount of sodium and potassium
– electrolytes – that help keep the muscles firing properly and help maintain hydration. Overall, having a fig roll or two with some water is ideal for a half-time snack.”

With Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes among those opting for fig rolls to fire their ageing limbs through games, the end could be nigh for the orange’s long-held relationship with football.